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Alegre Camping
Camping/Caravans - Portalegre (Alentejo)
Alegre Camping - Click on photo for more photographs from Alegre Camping.
Traditional Camping with a Touch of Luxury
We offer the opportunity for true eco-camping, going back to the original concept of being close to nature, in the beautiful Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park.
Enjoy a sense of well-being and immerse yourself in a spirit of adventure from living outdoors, in a haven of peace and comfort. You will become part of a secluded mountain valley offering tranquillity amongst dramatic landscapes and relaxation under a spectacular night sky. The stunning sunrises and sunsets add to your idyllic setting on our 11 hectares of organic, rural paradise. You are surrounded by olive, chestnut, fruit, pine, eucalyptus trees and so much more.
Refresh your Mind, Reinvigorate your Body, Revitalise your Spirit !
Bring your tent which you will pitch in your own meadow, woodland or field in a really generous space. You just choose your spot in the natural areas available, maybe by the stream or under a chestnut tree, able to watch beautiful butterflies on the leaves or amazing colours of dragonflies hovering over the sparkling water.
A large luxurious shower room, incorporating flushing toilet and handbasin provides a welcome touch of comfort at the end of a long day's relaxation or activity.
Where are we?
We are located in the Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park and 20 minutes from Portalegre, the principal city of the area, the Alto Alentejo region. Well situated only two and a half hours from Portugal's fabulous capital city of Lisbon and four hours from the Algarve in the South. We are just fifteen minutes from the border so Badajoz in Spain is only one hour away. You will most likely need a car to get around as public transport is limited here.
Out and About
The Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of Portugal, home to many of Europe's rarest birds and animals, fascinating flora and fauna with carpets of wild flowers in Spring and the golden colours of leaves in Autumn. The dramatic countryside with cork oaks, chestnut, pine, olive and eucalyptus trees varies from wooded granite hills to river valley pastures. Bring your binoculars so you can stop and take a close up look at the wonders of nature.
Wander through an area steeped in compelling history, a colourful culture and much to interest in the diverse architecture You can still see local folk sitting and chatting with neighbours under the trees or enjoying the delicious local food and drink in traditional bars and restaurants. A way of life still exists here which is almost unchanged for centuries. You may see farmers ploughing with mules and shepherds tending their sheep and goats. All virtually untouched by the busy world around them.
Activities:
The Sao Mamede Natural Park is ideal for walking, hiking, cycling (touring and mountain bike) bird watching, fishing, photography, painting, astronomy and much more which will be enjoyed in this peaceful relaxing area. In scenic tranquil landscapes there are small lakes and rivers where 'al fresco' swimming is suitable as well as outdoor (seasonal) and indoor public pools. Every town in the area has their own good leisure amenities for those even more energetically inclined. There is a fine 18 hole golf course with clubhouse near Portagem only 20 minutes drive away.
Heritage:
Here there are some of Portugal's prettiest quaint whitewashed villages and medieval fortress hilltop towns such as Marvão, a UNESCO world heritage site, for you to explore. Marvel at the magnificent architecture of cathedrals, churches and monasteries in Portalegre and surrounding towns. A 'must see' are the wonderful Roman archaeological remains of Ammaia as well as many ancient Neolithic sites surrounding the historic town of Castelo de Vide. Visit the numerous interesting museums and art galleries, also watch local artisans making regional handicrafts. There are lively festivals for almost everything; religion, horses, wine, chestnuts, cheese, flowers, and lots more, which each lovely town celebrates in its own unique way. You are always more than welcome to join in as the Portuguese people, in this part of the country, are warm and friendly. Don't forget a camera to capture your special moments.
Gastronomy:
Following the Rota dos Vinho (Wine Route) you will get to know more about wines of the area. Visit welcoming adegas where you can enjoy guided visits and sample the superb local wines with the opportunity to buy your favourites after the tastings. Try a glass of the traditional liqueurs and spirits produced using fruit from the picturesque vineyards and orchards in the vicinity. Take time to appreciate the excellent regional dishes on offer in the inviting local cafes, bars and restaurants which are usually cooked using fresh, locally grown ingredients.
All these hidden gems are within easy reach of Alegre Camping. So come and discover the beauty and peace of this virtually unknown and unspoilt part of Portugal where "Time is Time."
Prices in euros:
15 euros for 2 persons per night including tent.
Minimum stay 3 nights.
Meals:
We offer the option to eat with us once or twice at our Casa.
Picnic lunches are also available to order.
In the mornings you could savour a delicious continental breakfast, brought to your door.
All meals are at reasonable rates, details on request.
Extras:
Only 4 pitches will be made available in total with a maximum of 8 people on the site at any one time.
Due to the nature of the environment for the select setting of the pitches, we regret only tented accommodation is allowed. (no campervans or caravans).
A gas BBQ is available.
We supply a table and a couple of chairs to enhance your enjoyment of the tranquil ambience.
If you need us for anything our farmhouse is close by.
Availability & Booking:
Contact the owner of Alegre Camping direct.
Getting Here
For travellers from the UK the simplest and probably the cheapest way of getting here, then travelling around the area, is to book a FLY-DRIVE. There are frequent direct flights to Lisbon's Portela airport. Flight time is only about 2.5 hours non-stop from the UK and car hire is less expensive booked in the UK than in Portugal. There are good road links to this area via a mixture of uncrowded motorways (some toll), scenic country highways and lovely rural roads. Driving time from Lisbon direct to Portalegre is an unhurried 2.5 hours.
By way of alternatives Faro in the South and Porto further North plus Madrid (Spain) airports are around a full four to five hours drive away. Other routes and direct flights via/from other European cities are also available e.g. Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt etc.
For those who do not want to fly or wish to take a more leisurely journey overland to get here there are various options. Driving from the UK or other parts of Europe is relatively straightforward using fast major highways or more leisurely byways depending how much of a hurry you are in. Having taken the Eurotunnel or choice of Ferry your driving route will then be either through northern Spain from ports of Santander/ Bilboa, or France (Calais) then Spain into Portugal. Bearing in mind that our area is only a few kilometres from the Spanish border and so about one hours drive from Badajoz in Spain.
Can we help?
Pure Portugal can help with many aspects of your trip to Central Portugal. We can connect you to people who will pick you up from the airport, give tours of the area & informal taxi service, translators & other english speaking professionals.
Simply email to find out if we can help.
Our Pure Portugal Information website is also packed with useful information.
Pure Portugal advertises on behalf of hosts / owners, who supply their details, and are responsible for accuracy and booking arrangements.
Pure Portugal Ltd is a workers co-operative company, registered in England no: 5123198
Registered Office: 93 North Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB5 0BB, United Kingdom.
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